ABC's first black 'Bachelorette' is Rachel Lindsay

Sherri Guerrero | February 17, 2017, 0:11

ABC's first black 'Bachelorette' is Rachel Lindsay

For now, though, this is what we know about America's first Black Bachelorette.

The franchise has been criticized for its lack of diversity - the leads have been nearly exclusively white through the show's history, and minorities have been consistently underrepresented among the contestants. It's not just good news because the 31-year-old Texas-based attorney is one of the more favorable and liked women now vying for the Waukesha native's heart; her selection actually makes "Bachelor" history, as she will be the first black bachelor or bachelorette to take the lead on ABC's popular dating show in the franchise's 15-year history.

Lindsay is now in competition on the current season of The Bachelor, and received a "first impression rose" during the show's season premiere. Yet through 21 seasons of The Bachelor and 12 of The Bachelorette, the only non-white lead has been Juan Pablo Galvais, who is Latino, and was the Bachelor in 2013. By Monday, many fans guessed what it would be.

The Bachelor franchise has attempted to make strides (or at least hush critics) when it comes to diversity in both ethnic and religious backgrounds (though not sexual orientation) as far as the casting of the show's contestants. She will also be the first African-American Bachelorette. She'll be around for at least two more weeks, since in the full season promo she can be seen in Finland, the last location The Bachelor will visit this season. Before the last season of "The Bachelorette", Fleiss said he was going to "do everything possible to pick the right person and add a little diversity to our cast".

Though Twitter is not here for the spoilers, it seems Rachel is already embracing her next role.

Lindsay started the season strong, taking home the coveted first impression rose. She was charming and confident where I'm more shy and self-conscious, but she felt, in many ways, like the version of myself I wanted to be.

While Bachelor Nation waits to see when Rachel fails to receive a rose, or what happens to them on her hometown date, Ellen shared an interesting theory about the show's villain, Corinne Olympios.

Besides, Rachel isn't a great contender for "Bachelorette" because she's black.

I was never really into The Bachelor.

"No", Rachel replied immediately. "And, yes, they will be skeptical, and they will ask questions". "I think they want to get this push behind her. I'm not gonna come here for games".

Early Tuesday morning, Rachel told People magazine that she doesn't expect this upcoming "Bachelorette" season to be any different. "I'm ready. I'm ready to find love".